Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
On Monday, Jan . 15, the Bureau of Land Management is waiving its normal day-use fee for Fishermen’s Bend and other recreational facilities in the Pacific Northwest in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day takes place on the third Monday in January and recognizes Dr. King’s service and leadership in the civil rights movement.
“For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and every day, we are committed to make public lands access more equitable for all,” said Barry Bushue, BLM’s director for Oregon and Washington.
Fishermen’s Bend, between Lyons and Mill City on Highway 22, is the lone BLM site that is open in the Santiam Canyon.
Visitors should be aware that only limited day-use facilities are available at Fishermen’s Bend, including its boat ramp as well as picnicking and some hiking.
The campground remains closed as the BLM continues restoration work from the 2020 wildfires.
BLM officials also are working to restore the Elkhorn Valley and Canyon Creek sites in the North Fork area but no dates have been set for their reopening.
Those wishing to volunteer at a BLM facility should go to https://www.neefusa.org/npld-event-search.
Fee-free days at BLM sites occur each year on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Great American Outdoors Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.
